MEET THE SEMINARIANS

Meet the seminarians: Jeremy Rodrigues

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Home Parish: St. Elizabeth’s Bristol

Age: 24

Seminary: Pontifical North American College

High School: Mt Hope High School

College: Providence College

Parents: Joe J. & Cidalia M. Rodrigues

Siblings: Joshua & Tiffany

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, and working out, some cooking and spending time with close friends and relatives.

When did you start thinking about being a priest?

My first thoughts about priesthood came when I was very young. In fact these are some of my earliest memories. I remember being brought to church as a little child and being interested in the Priest and what he did. I was probably about the age of 4.

What were some Church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?

I was an altar server at my parish.

What is your favorite scripture passage? Why?

My favorite scripture passage is Micah 6:8. I like this for many reasons: because it expresses a sense of Vocation, a call to which we are all invited to and also because it expresses a very common theme that occurs in Scripture and that is the theme of God seeking to enter into a relationship with us. He has sought us before our birth.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.

Mainly my family as a whole. Through religious/cultural practices the Faith was something that was very much a part of my life, even since early on. In a particular way however, it was always the priests of our Parish who had a more unique influence on me which inspired me towards the priesthood.

Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?

Yes the associate pastor at my home parish and sometimes family members.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ and his call in your life?

Initially the call came through my family and the priests of the parish. It wasn’t until I had spent time in prayer and reflection, particularly before the Blessed Sacrament, that it was then confirmed that this was what God was calling me to.

What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his Church?

Regular Mass attendance and personal prayer. These two elements were key in shaping my personal relationship. I must also mention devotion to the Blessed Mother through the rosary. The rosary was a form of prayer that had helped me significantly in my discernment.

Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?

I would call them signs; however, I don’t think they came in an extraordinary fashion. They came through the lives of those who were intimately connected to me as a child. These people were mainly my grandparents, aunts, uncles and of course through the example of priestly leadership and fatherly care of our parish Priests. These were signs to me because they pointed me towards something greater than myself. That was God and his Church.

How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?

I was blessed in this regard; my family and friends were both very supportive and encouraging. I did meet many people, and still do, who have many questions about my decisions but most of the people I encounter are encouraging.

What was the transition like into seminary life? What did you imagine it to be, and in fact what was it like?

At first, like many people are in transition, I was nervous and apprehensive. This came from the fact that there were very many unknowns. I had imagined a difficult transition; however, it was not the case. In fact the transition was easier than I anticipated, and I was greatly supported by friends and relatives. I think the transition was made easier by the friends I was able to make in seminary. These were men with the same goals and objectives as I had and so together we were able to walk closer to Christ.

Why is the priesthood so important today?

The priesthood has always been important and it still is today. The priesthood brings Christ to the world each day in a physical Sacrament. This is the place where God has chosen to enter into the lives of His people. The priest is simply a means toward that Divine presence. Yet he is also so much more. In a practical sense, he himself stands as a symbol of that Divine call to communion by carrying out the works of Jesus and his Apostles each day.

What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?

Pray, Pray each day for the Grace to know where God wants you to be and who he wants you to be. The only thing Jesus asked us to do to promote vocations was to pray for ardent shepherds of the flock. Therefore if you are “on the fence” then pray yourself for vocations. This is also coupled with a great sense of trust that God will never abandon you and know that no one is ever truly worthy of this great gift of the priesthood.